Ambushed By Grace

Section 1

“The biggest lie about grace that Satan wants Christian parents to buy is the idea that grace is dangerous and therefore needs to be kept in check. By believing this, we not only prove that we don’t understand grace, but we violate the gospel advancement in the lives of our children. A ‘yes grace, but…’ disposition is the kind of fearful posture that keeps moralism swirling around in their hearts. And if there’s anything that God hates, it’s moralism.” (Tullian Tchividjian)

How can we ambush our kids with grace?

Give your kids the gift of time.

“God never promises to make up for misguided priorities!” (Andy Stanley)

Teach your kids to rely on the character of God.

What are the essentials concerning God’s character?

God loves them unconditionally. (John 3:16, Ephesians 3:19)

They can trust Him completely. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

He will never leave them. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)

Everything need is “in Christ.”

Colossians 2:9-10 - “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (NLT)

Stop trying to raise “good” kids.

Initial obedience

Social obedience

Civic obedience

Religious obedience

Instead of raising good kids, we need to raise kids who understand that:

Every day they need a Savior.

John 15:5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

True life is found in dying to self.

John 12:24 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Real power is only found in a reliance on the Holy Spirit.

To allow Christ to live His life through them.

Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Live their life so that in all things God may glorified.

As parents, we get the incredible privilege of ambushing our kids with grace. How does that happen?